Fairfield man's bail set at $100,000 after authorities allegedly uncovered drugs, explosives, firearms at his home

A judge kept a Fairfield man's bail set at $100,000 on Tuesday while he faces the seven charges filed against him after authorities say they found drugs, firearms and an explosive device in his home, drawing federal agents to the small town of less than 1,000.

Prosecutors on Feb. 20 filed seven charges against Steven Johnson, including criminal possession with intent to distribute, three counts criminal possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of explosives.

Johnson will enter a plea in the case after he has been appointed an attorney.

According to court documents, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office assisted in a search of Johnson’s home with Montana Probation and Parole. Johnson, 37, was living with his girlfriend, Jessica Jensen, at 212 3rd St. North.

During the search, officers found a 9-millimeter pistol on the master bed, according to court documents. After finding the handgun, police applied for and obtained a search warrant for the house.

Back in the bedroom, law enforcement reported finding evidence in a lockbox, although the affidavit does not describe that evidence, as well as methamphetamine, several glass smoking pipes, several new syringes and a few used ones, according to court documents.

The search also produced synthetic marijuana, a prescription bottle of Hydrocodone not prescribed to Johnson and an explosive device in the closet. Teton County Sheriff Keith Van Setten told the Fairfield Sun Times last month the charge appeared to be a mine slurry, a device used in mining operations.

The incident drew agents from Helena's U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives office to the town. Nearby traffic and the schools several blocks away remained on notice while authorities sought to clear the residence of any other potential threats.